This video, narrated by William Shatner, examines the making of the
1968 feature film 2001: A Space Odyssey, and provides interesting research and
information on the extensive collaboration between Arthur C. Clarke, the
writer of the book, and Stanley Kubrick, the director of the film, in making
the movie. Since this video was produced in 2001, it is an attempt to also
examine the predictions that Clarke and Kubrick thought would or might
happen in that year, and how close they both came to understanding
where space travel would be by then.

The video is full of fascinating information on the relationship that
Clarke and Kubrick had in making the movie. For instance, Clarke actually wrote the book while the film was being made, and
Kubrick had an immense influence on Clarke's writing in the book. Clarke
is interviewed in the video, and he states what a perfectionist and
micromanager Kubrick was, and how difficult it was to write the book with
Kubrick constantly trying to change vocabulary and meaning as the book
progressed, while at the same time directing the film version. Various
Clarke, Kubrick, and science fiction authorities are interviewed throughout
the video, providing interesting commentary on their favorite scenes in the
movie, as well as insights into the specific personalities of the creators
of the film and the book.

There is some examination of current progress
towards artificial intelligence, similar to the Hal 9000 machine in the
movie: the Kizmat robot at MIT, as well as other robotic initiatives. The
International Space Station effort is also discussed by experts, in a
rather negative fashion in relation to the movie. Those interviewed in the
video feel that the U.S. space program is no longer searching for
adventure, and that the space station is basically a space hotel for rich
people to visit. 2001: A Space Odyssey is highly recommended, especially for a whole new
generation of young people who have probably never viewed the original 1968
movie in its entirety.